Ethanol

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid Warning! Causes severe eye irritation. Flammable liquid and vapor. Causes respiratory tract irritation. This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in humans. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause liver, kidney and heart damage. Causes moderate skin irritation. Flash Point: 55°F. Target Organs: Kidneys, Heart, Central nervous system, Liver, Eyes, Optic nerve

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes severe eye irritation. May cause painful sensitization to light. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage. Inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption of methanol can cause significant disturbances in vision, including blindness. Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. May cause cyanosis of the extremities. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin, producing systemic effects that include visual disturbances. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause narcotic effects in high concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Chronic: May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Animal studies have reported the development of tumors. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage.